'Too much, too young'

1996 - a doctor came and sat by the bed. She told Elaine she could arrange for her to be transferred to a hospice near to her home in Hertfordshire. Did Elaine want to go?

Elaine became very clear and lucid. Yes, she did want to go. Please could the doctor arrange it as soon as possible.

So it hit me then, as it had never hit me before. My oldest friend was going to a hospice. All treatments had been tried, all hope was gone.

She was 34.